Fall weather is here, and nothing makes me happier on a cold day (or any day, for that matter) than a bowl of soup. Soup can be the perfect healthy cool-weather meal: it’s low-maintenance, chock-full of vegetables and can be low-calorie if you limit fatty ingredients and garnishes.

In Latin culture, soup is a staple, like my flavorful version of caldo callego made with kale, chorizo and white beans. We like to serve our soup with a lime wedge and a little hot sauce — believe me, it makes the flavors pop!

Directions:
In a large pot on medium high, combine bouillon, water, chorizo, potatoes, turnips, ham, greens and onion. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer, uncovered for 50 minutes. Stir in beans, adobo and sazon. Simmer, covered, for 10 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.

Next Food Network Star season 6 finalist Herb Mesa is a restaurant-trained chef, a self-taught healthy cuisine chef and a certified personal trainer. Herb teaches “balance through food and fitness,” and works as a personal chef and trainer in Atlanta.